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Phillies could look to Young for offensive spark

Delmon Young talks about his recovery from ankle surgery and being cleared to participate in batting practice with the team

By Todd Zolecki
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MLB.com |

PHILADELPHIA -- The Phillies could use an offensive spark. Maybe Delmon Young can be that guy.

Young is still playing extended spring training games in Clearwater, Fla., although he could begin a rehab assignment soon. He played six innings in the field Tuesday, the most he had played defensively to this point. Before the end of the week, he is scheduled to play back-to-back games.

Young will play right field once he joins the Phillies. It is a position he has not played since 2007, which raises questions about his capabilities there.

"So far he's been OK," Phillies general manager Ruben Amaro Jr. said. "He hasn't had a lot of chances, so it's hard to make any real assessment. He hasn't been challenged yet."

Todd Zolecki is a reporter for MLB.com. This story was not subject to the approval of Major League Baseball or its clubs.